Gynaecologic Problems: Vaginal Cancer

Description

Cancer of the vagina , a rare kind of cancer in women, is a disease in which malignant cells are found in the tissues of the vagina. There are several types of cancer of the vagina. The two most common are:

• Squamous cell cancer (squamous carcinoma). Squamous carcinoma is most often found in women between the ages of 60 and 80, and accounts for 85-90 % of all vaginal cancers.
• Adenocarcinoma . Adenocarcinoma is more often found in women between the ages of 12 and 30, and accounts for 5-10 % of all vaginal cancers.
• A rare form of cancer called clear cell adenocarcinoma results from the use of the drug DES (diethylstilbestrol) given to pregnant women between 1945 and 1970 to keep them from miscarrying.

Other types of vaginal cancer include:

• Malignant melanoma .
• Leiomyosarcoma .
• Rhabdomyosarcoma .

Symptoms and Signs

There are a number of benign conditions that can produce similar symptoms as vaginal cancer. Consult your physician for a diagnosis if you experience any/all of the following.

• Bleeding or discharge not related to menstrual periods .
• Difficult or painful urination.
• Pain during intercourse.
• Pain in the pelvic area.
• Constipation.
• A mass that can be felt.

Even if a woman has had a hysterectomy, she still has a chance of developing vaginal cancer.

Diagnosis and Treatment

There are several tests used to diagnose vaginal cancer, including:

• Pelvic examination of the vagina, and other organs in the pelvis, checking for tumours, lumps, or masses (i.e., may include colposcopy )
• Pap test .
• Biopsy to obtain tissue for examination in a laboratory

Generally, there are three kinds of treatment available for patients with cancerous or precancerous conditions of the vagina:

• Surgery , including: Laser surgery to remove the cancer, including LEEP (loop electroexcision procedure) and a local excision to remove the cancer, vaginectomy (partial) to remove the vagina.
• Chemotherapy (topical).
• Radiation therapy .

The information in this page is presented in summarised form and has been taken from the following source(s):
1. Motherisk, The Hospital for Sick Children: http://www.motherisk.org/